ALPs University Course Descriptions

Main class

Your main class is where you will spend a majority of your time throughout the weekend. You’ll take a deeper dive into this subject by spending approximately 10 hours of class time working with your class deans and classmates.

Each main class in maxed out at 15 pairs per class. New attendees will receive first priority for class registration.

Beginning Global MessengerThis class is full! If you sign up for it, you’ll be put on a wait list in case a space opens up.This course will provide athletes and Unified Partners with the knowledge and tools to develop or enhance public speaking, presentation and writing skills. Topics include target markets, engaging your audience, and moving your audience to action. You’ll end the course with the understanding that your experiences and involvement in Special Olympics is unique to you and a major part of your compelling story. After completing the course, you’ll be a spokesperson for Special Olympics Minnesota—and your voice will be heard!

DIFFERbilities in Youth Leadership (open to middle and high school students under 21 years old)
I-Ambassador is an inclusive leadership program designed for students with and without disabilities. The focus of this course is becoming an advocate for a cause through understanding key attributes of an advocate, speaking confidently, conducting sound research, building successful community outreach, and developing and implementing an action plan. If you are a student passionate about inclusion, this course is for you!

Governance & LeadershipThis class is full! If you sign up for it, you’ll be put on a wait list in case a space opens up.
Governance helps participants learn to work with a group of people, share ideas, and accept different points of view. We’ll discuss the ways that working with a committee or board is very similar to training and competing on a sports team.

Athletes as Coaches II
Athletes as Coaches II provides athletes with the opportunity to enhance their coaching skills through in-depth analysis of coaching styles and areas of interest. Participants in this course will participate in the Sports Academy seminar in addition to in-class trainings. Athletes will leave as a Level 2 certified coach with Special Olympics Minnesota in at least one sport of interest. Athletes must have taken Athletes as Coaches in order to register for this course.

Life SkillsThis class is full! If you sign up for it, you’ll be put on a wait list in case a space opens up.
The Life Skills course is a series of daily living skills to help participants live as independently as possible in the community. You’ll learn how to deal with real issues that impact your life, such as nutrition, cooking, communication, finances, dating and healthy relationships, resume writing and job interviewing. This course will be a combination of lecture and activities to help everyone have a fun time learning!

Athletes as Volunteers
Athletes will learn all about volunteering, including the different volunteer opportunities available and which ones would be the best fit. Participants will leave with a thorough understanding of a volunteer’s responsibilities and expectations. There will also be a practical application during this course.

Elective class

Your elective class will supplement your knowledge of a certain subject by taking a one-hour “crash course” with the topic you choose. Outside speakers and partners will be brought in to help teach these courses.

There is no limit to how many pairs take an elective class.

Social Media 101
Learn the basics of various social media platforms and how you can integrate this knowledge into your leadership experiences! Examples may include using social media to promote causes, share information, and grow a movement.

Photography
Learn the basics of photography and how you can integrate this knowledge into your leadership experiences! Examples may include using these skills in speeches, personal projects or other community engagements.

Self Advocacy
Learn from experts in the field! The Arc advocacy program promotes self-awareness and self-advocacy initiatives. Information in this session will include strategies on how to become a self-advocate in many different areas of your life.

Athletes as Instructors
Looking to take your leadership to the next level? Want to share your personal ALPs experiences with others? Athletes and Unified Partners who attend this workshop can expect to learn the key elements of being a dynamic instructor. Join us as we talk about what makes a good ALPs instructor and how you can potentially present future ALPs courses!

Athletes in Fundraising
Become the leader of the pack in fundraising for your Special Olympics team! Learn how to motivate your teammates to join in fundraising events and generate the dollars you need to support your delegation. You’ll hear tips and tricks on raising money using email and social media as well as think outside the box on new fundraising tools for yourself, too! This course will teach you everything you need to know about being a leader in fundraising for SOMN and your team. Plus, learn how you can team up with your local law enforcement and become involved with Law Enforcement Torch Run events in your area!

Fundamentals of Fitness
Physical fitness can be a confusing and challenging subject. This course is designed to give you the tools you need to become more physically fit and understand just how fitness works! Topics include why fitness is important, different types of fitness, and how being fit and strong helps in every part of life!

Civic Engagement
If you’re an athlete or Unified Partner interested in learning how to work with your state and federal representatives, this course is for you. In this elective you’ll learn about Special Olympics’ efforts to work with lawmakers. You’ll be given an overview on how to get involved with visits to the Capitol with Special Olympics Minnesota. We’ll also introduce you to our formal training, which will take place later in 2018. You can get a taste of what that training is like before registering for the whole course! This one-hour class is for athletes and Unified Partners interested in learning about government relations, high level public speaking, and how to make changes in your community.